El-Rufai’s supporters hire US lobbying firm to raise awareness over ICPC prosecution

Supporters of the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, have hired a United States-based lobbying and advocacy firm to raise international awareness regarding his ongoing prosecution by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Operating under the aegis of the El-Rufai Support Group Association (ERSGA), the group announced on Wednesday that it has retained Vanguard Africa, an international advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.

The group stated that this move is intended to draw attention to what it describes as growing concerns over the rule of law, due process, and the integrity of democratic institutions in Nigeria.

According to a regulatory filing published in the United States, Vanguard Africa will coordinate outreach efforts to officials within the US administration, members of Congress, federal agencies, pro-democracy organizations, and multilateral institutions.

The campaign stems from the legal challenges facing El-Rufai, who is currently standing trial over allegations of abuse of office, financial misconduct, and fraud during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.

Defending the former governor, ERSGA categorically rejected the ICPC’s accusations, maintained El-Rufai’s innocence, and highlighted what it described as alarming procedural irregularities in the case.

The group noted that the former governor has reportedly been detained by the anti-graft agency since mid-February, while courts have repeatedly delayed bail hearings.

They argued that the treatment of El-Rufai is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a deeper crisis currently threatening Nigeria’s democratic landscape.